In an age of instant information, 2SLGBTQI communities are increasingly targeted by misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation online.
From false claims about gender-affirming care to viral conspiracies portraying 2SLGBTQI people as societal threats, harmful content is spreading faster than ever. These messages don’t just mislead — they fuel hate, incite violence, and endanger the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQI individuals worldwide.
Complicating this issue is the rise of “infotainment” — a media environment where news, opinion, and entertainment often blur. Podcasts, influencers, livestreamers, and even mainstream hosts deliver content that prioritizes clicks and controversy over accuracy. In this setting, sensational misinformation can appear just as credible as real journalism.
Decoding the News: A Media Literacy Guide for Understanding Anti-2SLGBTQI Media Manipulation and Disinformation Tactics is designed to help you understand and navigate today’s complex information landscape.
Whether you’re on social media, watching a viral video, or listening to a podcast, being able to separate fact from fiction in the media is essential in stopping the spread of misinformation and combatting anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
Companion Resource
Ready to Respond: A Guide for Understanding and Responding to 2SLGBTQI Misinformation, Disinformation and Malinformation
This resource equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation about 2SLGBTQI communities.
This guide has been supported by
Women and Gender Equality Canada.
This resource is part of Egale Canada’s work to combat anti- 2SLGBTQI hate. Use Egale’s Rainbow Action Hub to find more resources and tools to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate.